Goa is India’s hippy and backpacker paradise. Goa is a traveller’s paradise with enough beach, sun, and cannabis to last a lifetime. Let’s explore the backpacker hostels in Goa.
Goa has hostels everywhere. Many options! So we made a guide to the best hostels in Goa, India. Our goal is to assist you to book the best Goa hostel for your vacation.
Our ultimate list of the top backpacking hostels in Goa is meant to assist you to book a hostel quickly, whether you’re a solo traveller hoping to make friends in South Goa, a couple looking for privacy, a dirty hippy looking to party in North Goa, or a Digital Nomad trying to meet a few deadlines.
Good to know: We also wrote a detailed guide on the Best Hostels in Goa – including a map with all hostels!
8 COOLEST Backpacker Hostels? Here’s your shortcut:
- House Of Memories, Candolim Beach
- Happy Panda Hostel, Arambol Beach
- The Lost Hostel – Goa, Palolem Beach
- Dreams Hostel, Vagator Beach
- The Beachside Hostel, Anjuna Beach
- The Funky Monkey Hostel, Anjuna Beach
- Pappi Chulo, Vagator Beach
Money-saving tip: Hostelz.com is a hostel price comparison site. You can save money with every comparison!
Best Backpacker Hostels in Goa
Goa is a holistic escape for backpackers ready to swap the intensity of Indian culture for a golden sand getaway. Stretching over more than 100km of oceanfront paradise, Goa brings the party to its South Indian shores.
Yoga retreats, trance parties, flea markets, and watersports are in abundance when you reach the hippie hub. From colorful beach huts to high-end resorts, Goa has a lot to offer when it comes to accommodation choices and the entertainment that surrounds them.
We’re going to unpack the best spots for backpackers in Goa. We love Goa and we want you to love it, too! Our list of Best Goa Hostels provides a mix of good vibes and a safe spot to make you feel at home during your trip.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- Best Backpacker hostels in detail
- # 1 House Of Memories
- # 2 Happy Panda Hostel
- # 3 The Lost Hostel – Goa
- # 4 Dreams Hostel
- # 5 The Beachside Hostel
- # 6 The Funky Monkey Hostel
- # 7 Pappi Chulo
- More Goa hostels worth a mention
- Fun Tips: Things to do in Goa
- Cheapest hostels in Goa
- Discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All Hostel and sights on a map
- Our Insider Tips
- FAQs
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels in” here.
Quick Introduction to Goa
Average price for a bed: The hostel rates will vary depending on location, amenities, and time of year. On average, the price of a hostel in Goa is $6.50 to $50 per night. Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com, Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Hostel Location: Be sure to research the location of hostels compared to major attractions and areas in the city. Check our map with all hostels here.
Safety: There is no doubt that Goa is a relatively safe place for travelers in general. In any major city, you should keep your wits about you to avoid being taken advantage of. When it comes to assault or physical abuse, this isn’t very common at all. Keep in mind, when traveling, it is important to be smart; trust your gut, be aware of your surroundings and if something seems off, it probably is.
🔥 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 63 Craziest Party Hostels in the World (with Map)
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🤑 Cheapest Backpacker Hostel: | House Of Memories |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Happy Panda Hostel |
| 📍 Top Location | The Lost Hostel – Goa |
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Dreams Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ For Female Backpackers: | The Beachside Hostel |
| 😎 In-house Bar & Restaurant: | The Funky Monkey Hostel |
| 🎤 For Activites: | Pappi Chulo |
1. House Of Memories, Candolim Beach
House of Memories is close to Candolim beach in South Goa, one of the more relaxed and less commercialised beaches. You’re still close enough to soak up the party atmosphere in the North, with a great choice of bars and cafes in the immediate area.
House of Memories does really well at creating those home away from home feels. There’s a cozy common area with desks, a library, and free WiFi throughout the hostel so it’s perfect for any digital nomads needing to get sh*t done.
Switch off under the coconut palms and inhale some South Goan serenity on the rooftop before making your way to the buzzing bars of Candolim.
There are dorms and private rooms with AC or fan-only options, starting from just $6.50/night. House of Memories also provides a laundry service and a friendly team of staff to help you plan local activities.
House of Memories has a wonderful ambiance (and delicious tea-infused gin!) that makes it one of our best Goa hostels. You’ll be surrounded by people sharing good energy with everything that Goa has to offer right on your doorstep.
It is a 27-minute drive to Anjuna Flea Market, while the Saturday Night Market is a 17-minute drive from the hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. Happy Panda Hostel, Arambol Beach
Happy Panda Hostel is all about the vibes! Set out to provide a basic yet clean home for travellers looking for a fun and sociable experience, Happy Panda is one of the best backpacker hostels in Goa for an upbeat stay.
With a central location that is just a 10-minute walk from Arambol Beach, you have an abundance of Goan delights on your doorstep when you stay at Happy Panda.
Wander down to the flea market, surf along Arambol shores, and visit some top-notch vegan restaurants, hippie hangouts & cheap bars all within walking distance.
At Happy Panda Hostel you’ll find a neon room, DJ Bluetooth to play your own music, and party nights. Get your hands on the hostel’s guitar and djembe and create some good vibrations.
There’s also a community kitchen if you’re in the mood for a family dinner. You might even get to enjoy a dance around the campfire if you’re lucky.
Dorm beds start from $6.90/night for fan-only and range up to $9.50 for AC.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. The Lost Hostel – Goa, Palolem Beach
The Lost Hostel is another of our best Goa hostels, located in the South’s Palolem beach.
Soak up the calming atmosphere of this hostel and its peaceful gardens, movie nights, and board games. Not to mention, a fridge full of Kingfishers for to keep you hydrated!
The Lost Hostel is excellent place to hang out inbetween exploring the Palolem area. There’s a cafe serving up some delicious meals, tasty cocktails at the bar, and a chilled yet friendly vibe flowing through.
Just because it’s a chilled hostel doesn’t mean you’re in for a boring time. At The Lost Hostel, there’s plenty of activities. When the sun sets, enjoy karaoke night, drinking games, and live music. Jamming is encouraged amongst all guests!
The Lost Hostel’s friendly staff will be on hand to help you book local tours and activities to maximise your trip.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
4. Dreams Hostel, Vagator Beach
Dreams Hostel is another one of our best Goa hostels for backpackers. Ran by a really welcoming owner and two fur friends, Yogi & Boxer, Dreams is an uplifting spot to hang out and meet new people.
Located a short walk from the parties of Vagator Beach, Dreams has a cafe, common area, garden, and kitchen. There’s a choice between AC or fan-only dorms, plus private rooms, all equipped with a strong WiFi connection.
Prices for a dorm bed range between $7.50 and $9, depending on AC, fan, or a shared bathroom. Privates rooms start at $12.50 for a single room with shared bathroom, and up to $30 for a deluxe room with an ensuite.
Dreams Hostel provides a laidback space to connect with yourself and others. It’s definitely one of the best backpacker hostels in Goa.
Especially as a solo traveller, where you will feel safe and meet new people. It’s a great place for groups too, with chilled areas to hang out in and acquire new people to your pack along the way.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
5. The Beachside Hostel, Anjuna Beach
If you’re looking for a hostel with direct access to the beach, good food, and a sociable bar, then The Beachside Hostel ticks all the boxes. Waking up to a seaview puts the Beachside Hostel on our list of best backpacker hostels in Goa.
Rated highly for solo travellers, particularly female, the Beachside Hostel is a secure yet sociable place to soak up the Goan sun and meet like-minded travellers.
There’s a shared lounge area looking out onto the sea, and a cafe & bar on site. You can stay in a dorm or a private room, with prices ranging between $8 to $28 depending on the room type.
From The Beachside Hostel, you’ll be able to arrange moto rental, water sports, and nightlife deals. You’re right on Anjuna Beach, so you don’t need to walk far before you’re in the mix of everything Goa has to offer.
The location and all-round good vibes makes The Beachside Hostel one of our best Goa hostels.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
6. The Funky Monkey Hostel, Anjuna Beach
The Funky Monkey Hostel is a friendly home away from home, located just a 4-minute walk from Goa’s hippie Anjuna Beach. Here, there is a choice of music venues, parties, and markets to explore right on your doorstep.
That doesn’t mean that you’re in for a restless night. Funky Monkey is a relaxed hostel surrounded by nature, with a garden, library, and yoga space to recharge your batteries.
The Funky Monkey Hostel has a choice of private rooms or dorm beds. Dorms have AC and start from $8/night. What’s more, if you’re in a group of four or less, upgrade your stay with a private room for the group.
Enjoy a superior 4-bed private room with an ensuite for just $50, not bad to split between four for some extra comforts.
There’s a bar and restaurant on-site, whipping up some freshly cooked meals and serving cheap drinks, plus a laundry service and moto rental available from reception.
The Funky Monkey Hostel is a great choice for best backpacker hostels in Goa. Chill out at the hostel and meet new people before a short walk to all of Anjuna’s best parties, bars, and restaurants.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
7. Pappi Chulo, Vagator Beach
Pappi Chulo Hostel is a creative space located a short walk from Vagator beach and Orzan beach. Located around 15-minutes from North Goa’s best party scene, Pappi Chulo is an upbeat spot to spend your day before a night on the tiles.
Enjoy Pappi Chulo’s bar and BBQ, all-day music, and youthful atmosphere. Partying is very much encouraged, so if you’re looking for a quieter stay then this won’t be the choice for you. There’s drinking games and good times encouraged by the very sociable hosts.
When staying at Pappi Chulo, you’ll have the choice between a funky-decorated dorm from $7.50/night up to around $40/night for a private room. When you’re not sleeping, you’ll be able to enjoy the large garden with cheerful vibes.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
More Hostels Worth a Mention
Goa is such a wonderful place to meet new friends so we can’t blame you if you want to find the best hostels in Goa for solo travellers. We have listed above the coolest hostels, but we got more for you!
Bedrock Boutique Hostel
Here at Bedrock, one of India’s largest luxury hostels, you’ll find a peaceful haven in the middle of the action-packed city on a quiet street off Baga—Calangute.
Bedrock Hostel is a hostel with an amphitheatre (open from December to April), bar and club-themed common areas, games, Wi-Fi, guest computers, rooms intended for maximum hostel comfort, a fully-equipped guest kitchen, modern bathrooms, and a reputation for excellent service.
There are a total of eight individuals who can stay in our rooms, some of which are shared. Each of our rooms comes with its own private bathroom.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The Bucket List Hostel
Backpackers from all over the world come to Bucket List Hostel because of its vibrant atmosphere ideal for socialising, exploring one’s artistic side, and having fun with like-minded adventurers.
Relax with yoga, walking tours, cycling tours, a badminton challenge, a game of table tennis, a good reading in a hammock, and conversation throughout the day, and then head to the outdoor bar.
They have events planned for everyone, including a community dinner, a beer pong night, and a pool party on the beach itself. You can always count on happy hour specials and the greatest beer selection at our bar. This hostel caters to those looking to make lasting memories.
Even if the bar is the focal point of the hostel, your stay in the dormitories will be comfortable and enjoyable. Aside from the standard dorms, they also offer a single air-conditioned, en suite dorm.
Private rooms here are unlike anything you’ve seen at a hostel before. In other words, for the same price as a standard hotel room, they provide you with a whole apartment complete with a pool, kitchen, and gym.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld |Hostelz.com
Craft Hostel
Craft Hostel is amazing, and the location is fantastic and quite straightforward to find. The hostel has a pleasant atmosphere and they serve local cuisines but they also have American or vegetarian breakfast if you want something familiar.
This hostel is near the beach so if you want to have an adventure, this is perfect for you.
It is located between the Thivim train station and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, both of which are about 28 km away. Dabolim Airport is 47-kilometer away from Craft Hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld |Hostelz.com
Fun Tips: Things to do in Goa
Goa is less of a culture shock for first time travellers compared to the rest of India. Its hippie-vibes are contagious and there’s plenty of parties (psytrance, especially) to make memories all through the night.
There’s so much to cast your eyes upon during your stay. From colourful beach huts and yoga retreats, to bustling bars and all-night raves. There’s really something for everyone!
Now that you’ve chosen which of our best backpacker hostels in Goa you’re going to stay at, it’s time to plan some activities. We’ve rounded up of our favourite ways to enjoy everything Goa has to offer.
Beaches
With more than 100km of beaches to choose from, it’s no surprise that spending your day on the sands of the Arabian sea is one of the best things to do in Goa. So, where to begin?
Generally speaking, there’s a North/South divide in Goa. And, there’s very different vibes depending on where you’re spending your time.
North Goa is famous for it’s nightlight and activities. It’s a thriving hub for all kinds of holiday-makers, from budget backpackers (holla!) to high-end resorts.
North Goa has a strong hippie presence, particularly on Arambol, Anjuna, and Vagator beaches. These are the most popular beach hangouts for backpackers. There’s local flea markets by day, and lively bars and parties by night.
South Goa is less developed than the North and penetrates laid back vibes. There are still very popular beaches, such as Palolem (the home to colourful beach huts), Agonda, and Candolim. Head South to relax and reconnect at a yoga retreat.
You can get between North and South in a couple of hours, so if you have the time, we recommend splitting it between the two so you can experience the full Goan package.
Old Versus New
Goa is a rather unique place when it comes to its architecture and history.
With a beautiful old town, ‘Old Goa’ is built from 400 years of Portuguese heritage, which you can see in the beautiful buildings that were left behind when their ruling came to an end. When the ‘Rome of the East’ fell, it became a Unesco World Heritage site, and you can wander through the historic buildings, iincluding Asia’s largest church.
Yoga Retreats
India is the birthplace of yoga and Goa is famous for its holistic culture brought to life in the 1960s when it became the famous “hippie trail”. So, spending time at a zenful, Goan yoga retreat seems only natural during your trip.
Where to book your Yoga Retreats?
There are two major websites to use. We are working on a big comparison guide, stay tuned. The two best sites are:
There is an abundance of retreats to choose from, whether you wish to spend a day, week, or months reconnecting with yourself on the mat. You’ll find more choice in South Goa, and some of our favourites include:
- Little Cove Yoga Holiday Retreat, Cola (South Goa)
- Bamboo Yoga Retreat, Patnem (South Goa)
- The Mandala, Mandrem (North Goa)
No matter where you are staying in Goa, you won’t have to go far to find a beautiful yoga retreat. Absorb the healing spirit of India and practice in the heart of the yogi spirit.
Read: best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka
Time to Explore Goa
Now you’re ready to venture to paradise and make the most of your stay in one of our best backpacker hostels in Goa. There’s something for everyone in the North and the South, so enjoy the parties, stunning beaches, and all the healing hippie vibes that Goa has to offer.
What about the cheapest hostels in Goa?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels in Goa.
When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find a cheap hostel in Goa.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Goa.
- add your dates
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tell you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Our Tip: Check exactly what is included, and what is excluded. Check as well the location. A further location might mean more money for transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
Good to know: There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter!
How to book?
The two most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. They list both numerous hostels and cheap accommodations. We wrote here a detailed guide on the best booking sites for hostels.
The coolest App for Hostels comes as well from Hostelworld. It comes with super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together.
Read: Hostelworld App in review
All that being said, we highly recommend checking out Hostelz.com before making your final reservation. It is a hostel price comparison. Add your destination and dates, and it will tell you the cheapest places to book your hostel.
We wrote a guide with our 15 best tips to book hostels.
Our Favorite Hostels in Goa put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. As promised, below, we list all backpacker hostels and the best hostels in Goa on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We’ve marked them as follows:
- Best Beaches: Yellow
- TOP Sights: Green
- More COOL hostels: Orange
- Party Hostels: Purple
- Best Goa Hostels: Pink
(View full sized map here)
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Our Insider Tips
As mentioned in the beginning, this guide is an extension of our article “best hostels in Goa“. Here we share the absolute best ones:
FAQ
What are the best backpacker hostels in Goa?
The best backpacker hostels in Goa are:
- House Of Memories, Candolim Beach
- Happy Panda Hostel, Arambol Beach
- The Lost Hostel - Goa, Palolem Beach
- Dreams Hostel, Vagator Beach
- The Beachside Hostel, Anjuna Beach
- The Funky Monkey Hostel, Anjuna Beach
- Pappi Chulo, Vagator Beach
How much do hostels in Goa cost?
The hostel rates will vary depending on location, amenities, and time of year. On average, the price of a hostel in Goa is $6.50 to $50 per night
Are backpacker hostels in Goa safe?
There is no doubt that Goa is a relatively safe place for travelers in general. In any major city, you should keep your wits about you to avoid being taken advantage of.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Goa for backpackers and solo travellers.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in Mumbai
- best hostels in Jaipur
- best hostels in Delhi
- best hostels in Chennai
- best hostels in Rishikesh
- best hostels in Dharamshala
- best hostels in Pondicherry
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what. At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by.
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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CLOSED: Red Door Hostel, Anjuna Beach
Update: This hostel has closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
Red Door Hostel is an OG of the best Goa hostels. Just a 5-minute walk from Anjuna beach with a fun garden cafe and bar on-site, you can’t go wrong when you stay at Red Door.
This is a sociable hostel that encourages relaxation by day and party by night. There’s a bar serving up cheap and delicious drinks and a huge garden area to hang out and meet fellow backpackers.
There’s also a pool table to enjoy and you might land on a night of live music if you’re lucky. What’s more, Red Door Hostel even allows you to BYO alcohol!
Red Doors offers basic AC dorm rooms, starting at $7/night.
CLOSED: Woke Hostel Arpora
Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
Woke Arpora offers rooms with free private parking, a garden, and a communal lounge within 2.5 km from Baga Beach. Calangute Beach is 2.7 km away, as is Chapora Fort, and the Thivim train station is 16 km away.
There is an outdoor pool, a common kitchen, and free WiFi all across the premises of this hostel. The hostel serves continental breakfast.
Goa already has a wacky list of things to do, and we spice it up even more. The paradise is full of charming markets and little shops. Bicycle and automobile rentals are offered at Woke Arpora, catering to the area’s large riding community.
Both the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of Saint Cajetan is located within 23 km of the site. Dabolim Airport is 41 km from Woke Arpora.
